Off-leash dog area considered at Wirth

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is in the preliminary steps in bringing an off-leash dog area to Theodore Wirth Regional Park.

Commissioners approved a resolution Aug. 15 to begin exploring a partnership with the Animal Humane Society and City of Golden Valley to bring the pet amenity to the corner of the park just north of Highway 55 near the nonprofit’s building.

The project was first proposed in a 2015 master plan for the park. The board hasn’t committed any funds yet to the project.

District 2 Commissioner Kale Severson said he’s “cautiously supportive” of the dog area, but it would displace a free golf chipping green, which he’d like to see relocated to another part of Wirth.

“I think it’s a great idea. There’s a high need for dog parks, and lots of requests,” he said.

Citywide Commissioner LaTrisha Vetaw said the dog area would be another amenity bringing people to the newly opened Trailhead adventure center and its restaurant, Cajun Twist.

“I think this couldn’t be a better location and a better partnership,” she said.

The next step is for park staff to research the dog area’s viability and come back with a preliminary plan for approval.